Chapter 14: Safe Zone
The tense atmosphere around them began to ease as the troops that had arrived at the battlefield began to organize themselves. The dust from the ruins and the still-smoldering fires provided a backdrop for the lines of troops that looked well-trained and ready to act. In the middle of them, a tall man in full armor stood dignified, while a small child with a green doll was held tightly in his hand.
"My name is Captain Varn of the Imperium Caelestis Patrol Corps. We are securing the infection zone," Varn said firmly. "You are safe now. We have a safe zone. Food, water, shelter."
Behind him, a Space Marine Salamander stood firm, looking forward with determined eyes. Little by little, he looked at the refugees who seemed surprised to see these troops.
A small child, still holding the green doll in his hand, stepped closer. His large eyes looked at the troops with great curiosity, as if trying to find out who they really were.
Alice looked at Varn with a confused look. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice serious but full of questions.
Varn nodded, giving a brief explanation. "We are troops from the Imperium Caelestis. We are here to help. This is a time of chaos, and we seek to provide protection for those who remain."
Alice stared at them, sensing a different aura from them. These troops were clearly well-trained, different from the groups they had encountered before. Everyone in her group, including Carlos and Claire, began to feel a little more at ease despite their confusion.
Varn continued, "We have assessed the situation and secured a safe point free from the threat of infection. We can take you there. There, you will be safe."
Claire, who was standing near Alice, asked hesitantly. "How do we know we can trust you?"
Varn looked at Claire, and for a moment, a determination appeared on his face. "We know what is happening in this world, and we are here to make sure no one has to die in vain. We want nothing more than to protect the survivors."
The little boy finally approached, clutching the green doll tightly. Varn bowed his head slightly, giving the child a knowing smile. "Take good care of the doll," he said softly, before stepping forward and signaling his troops to prepare to continue on their journey.
Alice, though still full of questions, felt a glimmer of hope within her. They were no longer alone, and perhaps, for the first time since this event began, they could find a safe place.
Behind them, the group of refugees began to move after the troops who had given them a new glimmer of hope. The soldiers walked steadily, as if nothing could stop them. And among them, a small child with a green doll, walked alongside them, his small steps filled with innocence and confidence.